Mesomorphism in H-bonded binary mixtures of guanazole with nonyloxy benzoic acid

The ability of liquid crystalline materials to feature self-assembly behavior has garnered attention in designing new aggregates for various functional applications. The structural influence of hydrogen-donating and accepting moieties on the liquid crystalline behavior of hydrogen-bonded assemblies of guanazole (G) with liquid crystalline nonyloxy benzoic acid (9OBA) is systematically investigated. Significant variations in the mesogenic behavior of the structurally diverse assemblies, ranging from smectic C to nematic phases were observed and evidenced by the X-ray diffraction as well as thermal studies. These binary mixtures exhibited low working temperatures as well as low crystallization temperatures. A comprehensive density functional theoretical analysis provided insight into the structure-property relationships of the various guanazole:9OBA supramolecular architecture.